Starting in June Korean Summer season comes with a lot of rain – especially in July. So if you visit Seoul or any other Korean City around that time, don’t forget an umbrella, prepare some Indoor Activities and fully enjoy the few sunny days. Find recommendations and everything else you might have to think of during that season and some fun things to do in this blog post.
How is July in South Korea?
July is – with august – the most humid and hot month in Korea. Even though it is Korean Monsoon Season there are still some events and festivals happening in July, and you can explore a lot of amazing indoor activities during that time.
How’s the weather in July?
Typically, temperatures in July range from around 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F). Because of South Korea’s humid summers it will often feel hotter than it is, but as Korean’s usually turn the Air-Conditioning on full power, you might still want to bring a thin jacket.
July is also the peak of Korean Monsoon Season with an average of 14 rain days. Check the weather forecast regularly and bring an umbrella if necessary (or see if Koreans carry an umbrella, as they are always prepared :D).
Another thing you should keep in mind is that with warmer temperatures and sunny days the fine dust pollution might also get worse. I highly recommend checking the “AQI” daily and if you see a red number better plan some indoor activities or wear a mask! Be especially careful on days with bad air quality AND rain!
What should I bring to Korea?
Now, onto the important stuff – what to pack. July is crazy hot in Korea, but don’t underestimate the chill temperatures in public transportation due to the fully turned on aircon. For the rainy days in Korea, bring or buy an umbrella and consider wearing open shoes. I also always recommend to bring comfortable footwear, a portable battery and – if you need – a travel pharmacy from your home country as Korean medication hits quite different 😀
Are there public holidays in July?
No, there is no Public Holiday in July in 2024. Koreans do celebrate the Constitution Day (제헌절) on July 17th as the first Constitution of the Republic of Korea was declared that day in 1948. But as this holiday does not count as a so called “Red Day” (Public Holiday) everything will be open normally.
General South Korea Travel Guide
In this South Korea Guide, I cover everything you need to know for an amazing South Korea trip (not related to a specific month) from Basic Information about the country, weather all around the year, Visa and Entry Requirements, best Korean SIM Cards, Transportation, Must Visit Spots and Recommended Activities in Korea.
What to do in Korea in July?
Festivals & Events in Seoul
Despite the monsoon season there are many amazing events in July, that you can participate in during your trip. From swimming at a Han River Pool to Reading a Book at Cheonggyecheon Stream and more – here some of my July Seoul-Highlights:
Seoul Outdoor Library
Read a book and relax with others at Seoul’s Outdoor Library Events. They usually include some English books, but in general I would recommend bringing your own books and drinks.
🗓️ 2024: May 17 – September 29
💸 free admission
| Gwanghwamun Square | Friday – Sunday | 4-9pm |
| Seoul Plaza | Thursday – Sunday | 4-9pm |
| Cheonggyecheon Stream | Friday – Saturday | 12-8pm |
Han River Pools
In some of Seoul’s Han River Parks you can find public outdoor swimming pools! They’re safe, inexpensive and often offer amazing city views. You can rent swimming equipment, picnic mats and get delicious snacks and meals there.
🗓️ 2024: July & August
⏰ 9am – 6pm
💸 Children (6-12): 3,000 KRW, Teenagers (13-18): 4,000 KRW, Adults (19+): 5,000 KRW
📍Han River Parks in: Yeouido, Ttukseom, Jamison, Yanghwa, Nanji, Gwangnaru
Seoul Dal
This helium balloon in the form of a full moon, began its installation work at Yeouido Park’s Grass Field from April 29th! After completion, there will be about 10 days of test to verify safety, and from the end of June, passengers can enjoy it!
🗓️ 2024: starting end of June
⏰ Tuesday – Sunday: 12-10pm
💸 Adults (19-64): 25,000 KRW, Minors (3-18) & Seniors (65+): 20,000 KRW
📍서울 영등포구 여의도동 여의공원로 68
🗺️ https://naver.me/GBfl16RY
Water Bomb Festival Seoul
One of Korea’s most famous summer festivals with powerful water explosions and a fun line up: ZICO, Jay Park, Taemin, Jessi, Hwasa and many more! Right at the beginning you have to choose a team (Yellow or Green) to team up with your favorite artists and soak up your enemies while enjoying amazing music and vibes!
🗓️ 2024: July 5 – July 7
⏰ 1pm – 10pm
💸 starting from 143,000 KRW
📍경기 고양시 일산서구 킨텍스로 217-59 제2킨텍스
🗺️ https://naver.me/5ncv0yTf
Han River Silent DJ Night
Imagine a bunch of people wearing headphones, dancing at the Han River… But you can’t hear the music. This fun experience is called silent disco and happens in Seoul every now and then at one of the Hangang Bridges.
🗓️ 2024: July 27
⏰ 7 – 10pm
💸 8,000 KRW (Sold out)
📍 Mapo Bridge
Festivals in other cities
I always recommend South Korea Travelers to leave the big cities at least once during their trip. There are many amazing organized group tours or destinations you can travel to by yourself!
Jeju Hydrangea Festival
2024: June & July
A spectacular hydrangea festival is being held for tourists and Jeju islanders alike. The best spots to see it are: Hueree Nature Park, Hallim Park, Camellia Hill, Ilchul Island.
Garden of Morning Calm Hydrangea Festival
2024: early June – early July
Come and see the stunning rows of colorful spring flowers at the famous Garden of Morning Calm just one hour outside of Seoul. If you’re planning a nice spring day out to Gapyeong County, don’t forget to visit Nami Island, a Strawberry Farm, or other places close by.
Daegu Chimaek Festival
2024: July 3 – July 7
For all Korean Fried Chicken and Beer Lovers: this is THE PERFECT FESTIVAL for you! Daegu is Korea’s third biggest city and home of the Chimaek Festival: Chi for Chicken & Maek for Maekju (Beer) 😀
Buyeo Seodong Lotus Flower Festival
2024: July 5 – July 7
Another stunning festival for flower lovers! At the Buyeo Seodong Lotus Flower Festival you can not just witness 50 different types of lotus flowers and water plants but also Buyeo’s UNESCO Baekje Historic Areas.
Boryeong Mud Festival
2024: July 19 – August 4
One of South Korea’s internationally most popular Festivals is the Buryeong Mud Festival. At this unique event visitors can enjoy a variety of mud-based activities such as mud slides, mud pits, a mud prison, a giant mud bath, a mud swimming pool, and much more.
Gapyeong Water Park
2024: July & August
Cool off this summer with a fun-filled day at Gapyeong’s Club Nine Water Park, boasting over 12 water attractions and impressive water slides! There is a one-day tour package that provides round-trip transportation from Seoul, a four-hour unlimited ride pass, and access to shower amenities.
Waterbomb 2024
Jeju: July 13
Daegu: July 20
Busan: July 27
One of Korea’s most famous summer festivals with powerful water explosions and a fun line up: ZICO, Jay Park, Taemin, Jessi, Hwasa and many more! Right at the beginning you have to choose a team (Yellow or Green) to team up with your favorite artists and soak up your enemies while enjoying amazing music and vibes!
Take a Yacht Tour
One of my all-time favourite activities in Seoul and Busan: A River or Ocean Yacht Tour! There are many options, but I personally tried and can recommend the following two:
Have a Beach Day
Of course summer is the perfect time to spend a day at the beach! And trust me, Korea has endless amazing beaches! Here some options:
- Eurwangri Beach, Incheon
- Hanagae Beach, Incheon
- Seonnyeo Beach, Incheon
- Daebu Island, Ansan
- Haeundae Beach, Busan
- Gwangalli Beach, Busan
- Songjeong Beach, Busan
- Surfy Beach, Yangyang
- Nine Beach, Donghae
- Jangho Beach, Samcheok
- Anmok Beach, Gangneung
- Sokcho Beach, Sokcho
- Jeongdongjin Beach, Gangneung
- Daechon Beach, Boryeong
- Woljeongri Beach, Jeju Island
- Iho Tewoo Beach, Jeju Island
- Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju Island
Explore other cities
Embarking on a day trip from Seoul is a fantastic way to explore South Korea’s diverse landscapes and historical sites.
A visit to the Korean Folk Village and Suwon, just an hour away from Seoul, allows you to experience the Korean Folk Village and stroll along the UNESCO-listed Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon.
For a more solemn experience, consider a visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which takes approximately two hours to reach.
Finally, you can have a day trip to Jeonju and its famous Hanok Village. The area around the city is known for its picturesque landscapes especially during winter.
See the city from above
Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the heart of the city you can find the N Seoul Tower – often simply called Namsan Tower. Not only does it provide breathtaking panoramic views of Seoul’s sprawling cityscape, but it also offers cultural performances every day at 3 PM and has some great photospots like the lock filled walls of the viewing platform.
Another great place for awesome city views is the Lotte Tower’s Seoul Sky Observatory, located in the Jamsil district. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits before ascending to the rooftop observatory or even book the Sky Bridge Tour to have a walk outside on 555m height.
I can also recommend you to have a walk around the Seokchon Lakes and walk to the Lotte World Castle, which you actually can see without going into the amusement park itself.
Have a Selfcare-Day
Combine relaxation and cultural immersion by visiting a Jjimjilbang (찜질방) – a traditional Korean bathhouse. Upon entering, you’re enveloped in a world of soothing saunas, hot baths, and special treatments. The gentle heat of the Korean saunas, ranging from intense to mild, helps release tension and detoxify the body. After a leisurely soak in therapeutic mineral baths, you can indulge in a Korean body scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft and revitalized. Alternatively you can get a massage or one of Korea’s famous skin treatments in one of the great facilities below. This self-care day in Korea allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wellness oasis steeped in Korean tradition.
Watch Performances
The “Nanta Cooking Show” and “Painter’s Show” are two captivating performances in Seoul. “Nanta” is a comedy combining cooking and drumming, while “Painters Show” blends live painting, multimedia art, and humor. Both shows offer unique, interactive experiences combined with some Korean cultural insights that entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making them must-see attractions in Seoul.
Take a cooking class
Korean cooking classes provide a hands-on experience in preparing traditional Seollal dishes like colorful rice cakes, Korea’s National dish Kimchi, or a whole set of meals like Bulgogi (marinated grilled meat) or Korean stews. Guided by expert instructors, participants not only learn the secrets of these time-honored recipes but also gain insight into the significance of each dish in Korean Cuisine. It’s a delightful opportunity to connect with the essence of Korean traditions and share in the joy of creating and savoring these delectable treats with loved ones.
Craft your own souvenirs
Instead of buying souvenirs I can highly recommend to try one of many special activities and experiences in South Korea. It’s not just great to make a very personal gift for yourself or your loved ones at home, but it’s also a perfect way to learn more about Korean Culture and connect with locals. You can usually book them in English,
Mother of Pearl
Make accessories with the Korean traditional Najeon Technique!
Perfume Making
Make your own Perfume step by step with English guidance!
Stone Stamp
Make your own traditional Korean stone stamp that was used to sign contracts!
Leather Goods
Make yourself a wallet, small glasses case or a leather hand bag!
Wooden Rings
Special rings made of wood for couples, solo travelers or friends!
Traditional Dyeing
Dye a scarf or tote bag with the traditional Jjokbit Color.
Find more in my FREE Experience Guide ↓
Traveling to South Korea in July means you should prepare for all different kinds of weather and events. From City or Music Festivals all over the country to other events and activities – there are many things to explore! Will you visit Korea in July? Let me know your tips in the comments!
